Hart, Sir Robert Campbell, James Duncan

Robert Hart (Chinese name He De) was born in Milltown, Co. Armagh on 20 February 1835. He was educated at Queen's College, Taunton, Wesley College, Dublin and Queen's College, Belfast where he received a BA in 1853. The following year he entered the consular service working in Hong Kong, Ningo and Canton before resigning in 1859 to join the Chinese Maritime Customs.

After working as deputy Commissioner in Canton and Commissioner in Shanghai he was appointed as the first Inspector General in 1863. He held this post for nearly fifty years until his death and his commitment to the service led him to refuse the post of British Minister to China in 1885. As well as his work in the Customs he was used by the Quing government to further their aims in dealing with foreign powers. He became supreme advisor to Zongli Yamen (the Chinese office dealing with foreign affairs). On behalf of the Quing government he arranged the Lisbon Protocol in 1885 after negotiations with the Portuguese over Macao. He negotiated with the Indian government over Sikkim and with the British over navigation of the Yangtze River. His efforts led to his receiving honours from a number of countries including Italy, Portugal, Norway, Holland and a number of Chinese honours. He gained an honorary doctorate in 1882. He was also asked to help with efforts towards 'modernisation' such as the establishment of the Chinese postal system and the establishment of Tong Wen Guan (Institute of Education).

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